Rotary Club launches STD prevention and blood donor drive

The Rotary Club of Tortola, in collaboration with the BVI Health Services Authority (BVIHSA) and the BVI Red Cross, has launched a major initiative to address two critical health concerns in the British Virgin Islands—STD prevention and maintaining a robust blood donor registry.

The announcement was made during a recent broadcast of the Talking Points show.

The initiative, which ties into December’s focus on Disease Prevention and Treatment Awareness, will offer free STD screenings and general health checks, making it easier for individuals to qualify as blood donors.

Abby O’Neal, President of the Rotary Club of Tortola, explained that discussions were held with the BVI Health Services Authority and Red Cross to design a project centred around a blood donor drive and STD screenings. She further indicated that the initiative is crucial for maintaining steady blood supplies.

The campaign aims to screen at least 500 individuals across Tortola and the neighbouring islands. Residents will have access to various tests, including screenings for HIV, syphilis, chlamydia, and hepatitis, with results available either on-site or after laboratory analysis. Stacy Abraham, Director of the BVI Red Cross, emphasised the need for education and awareness.

“People are calling the Red Cross because we have a donor listing. But when we do identify persons who are willing to give blood, they don’t meet the criteria,” Abraham said. “They’re either overweight, underweight, they’re hypertensive, or, you know, all these noncommunicable diseases, or even during the screening process, they would find out something is happening.”

She also noted that blood supplies are critical for the territory in emergencies. “So, a lot of it is education, it’s awareness. So that we could build up the blood banks so that we can ensure that we have blood supply in the territory. Because if you have a territory or a country that doesn’t have blood, you’re not in a very good place,” Abraham said.

The Rotary Club is utilising its recent global grant to fund testing materials, while the Red Cross will contribute its expertise in donor management. Volunteers trained in psychosocial support will also assist participants who may receive sensitive results.
“We also have trained volunteers in psychosocial support because if somebody gets news – because we are doing STD testing in the various forms – it can be very devastating for them. So we have trained volunteers on staff who can come and talk them through,” Abraham said.

The campaign will extend outreach to vulnerable groups, including Spanish-speaking residents and young people. The Red Cross plans to lead awareness through community visits, promotional campaigns, and partnerships with local organisations.